Your Dementia-Friendly Library
Did you know that more than 600,000 Canadians are currently living with some form of dementia? According to the Landmark Study released by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in 2022, this number will triple to over 1.7 million people within the next 30 years.
Dementia is the general word for the wide-ranging symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. While there are various causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common.
With a growing number of people living with or caring for people with dementia in Canada, we all have a part to play in making our community inclusive and supportive of people living with dementia. Here is how Burlington Public Library can help you.
Supportive Library Collections & Programs
Burlington Public Library supports learning for life at every stage of development, from birth through late adulthood. The library offers free health and well-being programs for adults who want to boost their health and reduce risk factors for dementia. We partner with local organizations like Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton, and Burlington Family Health Team to provide workshops in person and online. During sessions led by local health practitioners and educators, you can take important first steps to become healthier in mind and body.
Boost Your Brain Health
Make it your New Year's resolution to maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body. Join us in January for FREE brain-healthy programs, and keep active this winter! Click on the program title links for further information.
Just Breathe Drop-in - Various dates & times. Location: Central Branch
Let go of stress for a calming hour and practice present-moment awareness communally with others. Wear comfy clothes; no experience is required. Arrive early for limited spots. Presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association
Sit To Be Fit - Various dates & times. Location: Tansley Woods Branch
Exercise your way to better health and fitness. Increase your strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance in this gentle movement program for adults 18+. Registration is required. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton
Chair Yoga - Various dates & times. Locations: Aldershot and New Appleby Branches
Exercise your body and mind and build strength and flexibility through a gentle session of chair yoga. Registration is required.
Just Walk - Wednesday, January 15, 10-11am. Location: Central Branch
Get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking! In this session, physiotherapist Jessica Lammers talks about shoulder health. After the talk, spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and lively conversation. Registration is required. Presented by the Burlington Family Health Team and Just Walk
Early Detection & Memory Care - Wednesday, January 15, 1:30-2:30pm. Location: Aldershot Branch
Understand the early signs of memory loss and hear about the new Burlington Family Health Team Memory Clinic. Registration is required.
Living Smart for Brain Health - Monday, January 20, 1:30-2:30pm. Location: Central Branch
Learn how simple lifestyle choices can enhance brain health and support long-term cognitive wellness. Gain practical strategies and insights to boost cognitive function and maintain a healthy mind. Registration is required. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton
Borrow Cognitive Care Kits
If you provide care for a friend or family member with dementia, you can borrow cognitive care kits with your BPL card. Cognitive care kits help support the skills and abilities of people with early-, mid-, and late-stage dementia. Each of our 20 unique dementia-friendly kits includes various prepared activities, games, and workbooks. They are a great way to encourage social engagement and promote success with daily activities.
The library also has plenty of books and magazines that people with dementia can enjoy, including collections of short stories, poetry, and coffee-table books with colourful photographs. We’re always happy to make recommendations based on individual needs.
Reading has been linked to boosting brain health, and we’ve certainly got you covered there! Finding inspiring reads is made easy with our Handpicked For You service where BPL staff provide a book list or bundle based on your interests and needs. If mobility is a challenge, we can set aside your items for someone to pick up on your behalf.
Connecting You to Community Support
If you or someone you know needs help isn’t sure where to start, we’re here for you. Call or email Information Burlington, Burlington Public Library’s community information and referral service. You can reach them at 905.639.3611 extension 1212 or infoburlington@bpl.on.ca for personal, confidential assistance. We also maintain the Halton Seniors’ Services Directory, which you can access online anytime. Look under Memory Loss/Dementia to find local resources and help.
Dementia & Health Resources at BPL
Learn more about brain health and dementia with these book lists from our BPL team.
Things We Remember: Stories & Memoirs About Dementia
